Fine Living Top 10: International Tea Rooms

Number 7

Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town, South Africa

The Mount Nelson Hotel, which is scenically located at the foot of Table Mountain within nine acres of lush gardens, is unquestionably one of Cape Town’s most impressive hotels, staking its reputation on tradition, history and luxury.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that afternoon tea in the hotel’s lounge has been named Best Tea in the World and Best Tea by food critics. A wide variety of teas — including Rooibos tea, for which South Africa is famous — are served daily with many finger-food favorites that include pastrami sandwiches, smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, local cheeses and biscuits, quiches and pies, scones and strawberry jam, and an assortment of tea cakes.

Enjoy afternoon or morning tea in the lounge, on the terrace or in the gardens.

Number 6

Bird on the Rock Tearoom

Shropshire, England

One of the most exclusive and unique tea rooms in the world, the Bird on the Rock Tearoom in Shropshire offers a range of more than 50 teas from around the world, some of which hail from small tea estates. This is a unique atmosphere in which to take tea: You can select from either a plush room that’s inspired by the 1930s and includes soft background music or a quintessential exterior cottage garden. Bird on the Rock consistently delivers the finest quality to customers in all areas.

Number 5

Kilmokea Georgian Tea Rooms

County Wexford, Ireland

The milieu in which the tea rooms are set is what makes the Kilmokea Georgian Tea Rooms stand out from the rest of the pack. An 18th-century Georgian house sits in the middle of a seven-acre heritage garden, nestled on the banks of the River Barrow.

This is a charming Old World retreat, beautifully maintained to the highest standards of hospitality. Indeed, in 2001, Kilmokea was named Best Country House in Leinster, and it has since earned a five-diamond rating for both food and accommodations.

Kilmokea’s Georgian Tea Rooms are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from March to November, and the menu includes homemade organic delights such as soups of mushroom and parsley, courgette and brie, carrot and mint or Mediterranean roast tomato — all of which are served with home-baked brown bread filled with cranberries, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes or cheese.

Number 4

The V Tea Room

Singapore

While it may seem odd to find an Old World, Victorian-themed tea room in the heart of Singapore, The V Tea Room manages this odd contrast perfectly. Inside, neoclassical wooden furniture, woven side chairs and dark-wood tables complement the relaxed service and atmosphere. Even the smallest service details do not go overlooked, including gently warmed plates on every service cart.

The V Tea Room’s tea list is extensive, including macadamia bourbon Rooitea, an infusion of the red rooi bush with macadamia, vanilla extract and orange. The house also specializes in cakes and heartier fare.